Maharashtra: More than 1,55,000 QR coded Alphonso Mangoes Sold Till Now
This initiative aims to benefit consumers by providing accurate information about the mangoes before a purchase.
15 April 2024
Pune – In the last 20 days, 1,55,000 QR coded alphonso mangoes have been sold in the market. A unique concept of distributing QR stickers to GI (Geographical Indication) registered alphonso farmers was put forward by Dr Vivek Bhide, Chairman of Konkan Hapus Amba Utpadak and Utpadak Vikrete Sahakari Sanstha Ltd of Ganpatipule.
This initiative aims to benefit consumers by providing accurate information about the mangoes before a purchase. The organisation charges a minimal amount of 65 paise per piece and Rs. 3 per box to the farmers. In a way, this also increases their product legitimacy, ensures fair trade and widens their target market. More than 1000 farmers have made profits because of this initiative. Four other organisations spread across Sindhudurg, Raigad, Palghar and Thane are also contributing to this cause.
“Since the last 10-12 years we have successfully registered many farmers under the GI tags and our main aim is to ensure the reachability of authentic alphonso mangoes till the customers,” said Mr Mukundrao Joshi, Secretary, Konkan Hapus Amba Utpadak and Utpadak Vikrete Sahakari Sanstha Ltd. He explained that the scanner helps protect the authenticity of alphonso mangoes from those which are sold in the market under false names. “It has been proved that the mango that grows and nurtures in the rich soil of Sahyadri-Konkan belt, shall only be considered as ‘Hapus’,” he added.
The organisation has also come across false traders. Their misleading practices falsely claim their mango to be the ‘Ratnagiri hapus’. Distributors from Gujarat and Karnataka are often the ones who carry out such trade. The organisation has filed complaints and court cases against such sellers as they threaten the purpose of their lawful initiative.
While Pune’s local market awareness does not seem to be enough, QR coded mangoes have been on the rise since the last two years. One can come across a few mango vendors in Market Yard, and other local sellers who have adopted this initiative and profited from it as well.
Ashutosh Bhide, owner of Bhide’s Konkan Shoppee at Kothrud, Pune, said, “I didn’t see a rise in the customers’ demand for QR coded mangoes from last year. Other than my fixed set of customers, many people still don’t know about this initiative.” He added that modern technology and social media advertising tools could be utilised to spread awareness about it. In terms of pricing, it has been highly beneficial for both him and his fellow sellers.
